The nation’s weather

Weather Underground Forecast for Thursday, May 02, 2013. A strong Spring storm will move out of the Rockies and into the Plains on Thursday, bringing weather more appropriate for Winter to some areas.

Winter Storm Warnings will remain in effect for southern Minnesota and adjacent areas of Wisconsin in anticipation of nearly a foot of new, Spring snow. While this is not rare for this area for this time of year, it is certainly uncommon.

In addition, snow will also be possible in the Plains, although most areas will receive far less snow than expected in the Upper Midwest. Rain and thunderstorms will be likely from Texas through Wisconsin and Michigan, while strong winds will also be likely for this same area.

In addition to the wet weather, Freeze Watches are posted for western Oklahoma, northern Texas, and adjacent areas of Colorado in anticipation of morning temperatures in the 20s.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a strong high pressure system will build along the West Coast, providing near record temperatures for parts of California. Coastal areas around the San Francisco Bay Area will be in the 80s, while some inland areas could experience their first triple digit heat of the year.

The eastern seaboard will be mostly dry, with the exception of Florida where gathering showers and thunderstorms will be likely.

The Northeast will rise into the 70¼’s, while the Southeast will see temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The Plains will be cool with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, while the Southwest will see temperatures in the 90s and 100s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Wednesday have ranged from a morning low of 12 degrees at Stanley, Idaho to a high of 93 degrees at Wink, Texas